Ultimate Direction AK Race Vest (Gear of the Year 2013)
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Trail Runner Gear of the Year: Best Men’s Hydration Pack | $90 | www.ultimatedirection.com
This one snagged our Editors’ Choice in our March 2013 Trail Tested column, in which we reviewed a swath of hydration packs.
Perhaps the best feature of this innovative hydration unit designed by elite mountain ultrarunner Anton Krupicka is Cuben Fiber (CTF3), an ultra-light, tear-resistant fabric that doesn’t stretch. Despite a full-pack weight, CTF3 holds its shape, seemingly dissipating weight and making the vest feel nearly empty. Plus, the unit has plenty of pockets—slip-in, zippered and Velcro—for extra gear and fuel.